Sony SLT Alpha 99 versus rival model with similar score

Further readings for the Sony SLT Alpha 99

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

In addition to revamping the premium-quality Zeiss-branded Vario-Sonnar 16-35mm f2.8 ZA SSM, Sony took the opportunity to do the same with its 24-70mm f2.8 sibling. Read on to find out how well this updated lens performs.

Although Sony has concentrated on the E-mount lens range for their mirrorless Alpha range, it hasn’t entirely forgotten the A-mount lens range. This lens is an update to the highly-regarded Zeiss-designed full-frame 16-35mm f2.8 SSM model. Read on to find out how well this updated zoom lens performs.

One of the hottest launches from this year’s Photokina trade show, the Nikon D750, has grabbed the attention of serious amateurs and pros alike. Boasting a newly developed 24.3Mp sensor, expanded ISO sensitivity range and a host of features from their pro DSLRs it looks a mouth-watering prospect. Lets take a look at the D750 sensor scores and results to see how it stacks up against the full frame competition.

Following the recent reviews of the Canon mount and modified Nikon (AE) models we’ve now turned our attention to the Sony Alpha and Pentax K mount versions of the ultra-high speed Samyang 24mm f1.4 prime. Read on to find out how well the Samyang performs and if that or a rival model is the best choice for Sony and Pentax users.

Sigma are well known for their accessibly priced models and at just under $1,100 the 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO seems like a promising alternative to the premium offerings from the camera makers. Although one of the older models in the firm’s range now, does it still have what it needs to compete with more modern rivals?

As an moderately priced full-frame high-speed standard zoom, the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 seems like a promising option to the far pricier offerings from the camera makers. Read on to find out how well it performs.

As the lower pixel count of the two full-frame A series mirrorless models from the firm the Sony A7 has been somewhat overshadowed by its pricier sibling. But with a less demanding 24-Mpix sensor and on-chip phase detection AF, the A7 sounds promising for legacy glass as well as offering faster focusing with the existing E and new FE mount lenses. Read on to find out how this intriguing new model performs.

As the first model in Sigma’s high-grade ART series the 35mm f1.4 HSM A set the bar very high for image quality when measured on Canon and Nikon bodies. The lens is also available in Sony mount, and we couldn’t resist trying it on the excellent Sony A99. Read on to see how well it performs.

In less than a year the Nikon D610 replaces the hugely popular full frame 24mpix D600 and features a new, improved shutter mechanism and some minor improvements to the auto white balance system. Although the firm didn't announce any improvements to the sensor and imaging pipeline, we were intrigued enough to put it through our labs to find out.

Comments

Lenses to Test

Hello,

I know it would be difficult, but is there any chance you guys can get your hands on the older Minolta glass? It is much more integral for the Sony mount since the Minolta mount is still very much a part of our system. So if you ever get your hands on the following lenses (I am a bit biased as a wildlife photographer), can you please test them as many alpha shooters still use them.

still no tests for many lens

Any news regarding the tests of broader range of high-end lens for Alpha system? The Sony 50/1.4 ZA SSM was supposed to be tested in the summer and it's still not there. People often ask for testing Sony 135/1.8 ZA or 24/2.0 too, are there any plans for them? And the new 70-200/2.8G SSM II? These are probably the lens the professionals are most interested in.

test lens

numbers don't talk to me that much... but this is not the point here. However i think the prime lens ranking is going to be bothered when you will review the 135f1.8 sony zeiss. and... the 50f1.4 sony zeiss planar! just purchased it, It's my 4th 50mm among every brands and this is stellar, contrasty as f*** straight from widest aperture. SSM crazy fast and accurate, way above all others CaNikon. Not flawless (distortion, CA f1.4), but almost, it's a must have and indirectly a must test. you must do it!

Sony 300/2.8 SSM scores much too low...

Hi,from my rather long experience with the predecessor, the still "current" 300/2.8 SSSM, there has to be a mistake in the testing of the new Sony lens - it will not be worse than the old version (or will it?). And the current 300/2.8 SSM is at least on par with the Zeiss 85/1.4 AF or the 135/1.8 AF which I use, and A LOT (and I mean: A LOT!) sharper than the Sony 35/1.4, for example - it is one of or even the best lens in the Sony system (for an impression, just look at Sony´s MTF charts).Almost everybody in the Sony forums who has access to that lens says the same... - so could there have been a mistake?A focus problem or a "faulty" lens, for example?

I would LOVE to see a retest with a second item - Sony company should be interested in putting the result right and proving the 300/2.8 SSM to be the "stellar" lens it is... - the current version is indeed!Thank you,Ruediger

First replies for this comment

Re: Sony 300/2.8 SSM scores much too low...

Hello!

Thanks for your interest in DxOMark.

Sony lenses we analyzed were provided by Sony itself. About your remark on the 35mm f/1.4, DxOMark results confirm what you noticed (please check the comparison here Sony 300mm vs 35mm f/1.4).If you only look at the Sharpness score, the 300mm is far higher rated than the 35mm f/1.4. However the DxOMark score is performed in lowlight condition. In such illumination, the larger aperture of the Sony 35mm f/1.4 enables a lower noise on the SLT A99 sensor. That means that you will finally get a similar IQ on both couples: on one side (300mm), you have a sharp image but with an higher level of noise, on the other side, the image is softer but without noise.

Re: Zeiss 50mm f1.4 ZA SSM Test ?

Zeiss Manual focus lenses

I use Zeiss manual focus lenses on my A99 and the results are amazing.Basically I purchased Nikon mount ZF.1 lenses and easily changed the mounts with Leitax mounts, now I have the best of both worlds, class leading glass, fantastic EVF with focus peaking. I did a comparison of the Excellent Sony 24/2 lens and Zeiss 25/2.8, I preferred the look of the Zeiss 25.

PLEASE test the Carl Zeiss 135mm f1.8!

I really wish you guys would do some test with this lens... A lot of us a-mount shooters feel that it could possibly be the best a-mount (prime) lens... and even the best 135mm prime on the market. I would love to see how it does (in terms of scoring)

A99 and D600

Hi I have a quick question. Does the d600 has built-in body image stabilization when shooting video? I am getting either the d600 or the a99 primarily to shoot field video for documentaries, then the body image stabilization is very important to me, but it disappoints me the price and the loss of light that the a99 has, any one knows if the d600 has any type of body image stabilization when shooting video? thanks in advance!

First replies for this comment

Re: A99 and D600

The Sony a99 has in-body stabilization whereas the Nikon d600 does not. Nikon does not provide image stabilization in any of its camera bodies, while Sony does use image stabilization in every SLT camera body. Hope that helps!

First replies for this comment

Re: Sony A99

To avoid embarrassing yourself, at least try to get your facts right? Where did you find the ridiculous 50-60% figure?

The light loss is a rather negligible 1/3 *stop* loss of light only, a difference most people can't even tell with their naked eyes.

However, camera shake and mirror vibration is completely conspicuous to the naked eye. There is in-body image stabilisation of up to 4.5 stops with ANY LENS and the total elimination of mirror vibration shake at ANY SHUTTER SPEED. Whereas you wouldn't shoot handheld at 1/8th or 1/15th of a second previously, it'll end up being your favourite range of low light setting on a mirrorless setup (ask the NEX & m4/3 users who similarly do not have mirror limitations).